The Kwam e-Makana (My Place) project was the brainchild of former Premier of the Eastern Cape, Ms Nosimo Balindlela. During 2004 she initiated the “800 room project”. This was an attempt on her part, to increase the tourism spend in disadvantaged areas by having Eastern Cape Government employees stay in designated houses when they travelled for business purposes. The Makana area was to be the “guinea-pig”; it was envisaged that the project would eventually spread to all parts of the Province.

52 women proudly open their homes to visitors requiring accommodation in Grahamstown.

All Kwam homes display their Kwam signage for easy recognition.

Most of the homes have indoor plumbing and offer en-suite bathrooms, TV, lockable cupboards and off-street parking. You may just have to bring an extra blanket!

Makana Tourism in Grahamstown is the booking agent for local Kwam Homestays and regularly liaises with the Kwam Chairperson to ensure that hospitality standards are maintained. To book a Homestay experience online click here: Kwam e-Makana.

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Scifest Africa 2016 Poster Competition (1st July-28th August): Scifest Africa will celebrate 20 years of engaging with the public in 2016. You are invited to enter an original artwork what that explores the theme of TIME!